For the last two years free dog poo bags have been available from dispenser on the shop wall for dog owners who have not got dog bags with them.

The beautiful Porthcothan Bay in North Cornwall is a dog friendly beach. Many of the neighbouring beaches aren't which means Porthcothan is very popular with people who have dogs. Up until recently our free dog bag initiative has been funded entirely by private donations from local people however recently there have been two donations from holiday-makers.

Here's hoping that everyone (near and far) who loves Porthcothan and loves dogs will donate online to help sustain this very successful scheme which benefits everyone by making the beach a cleaner and safer place. When people are not clearing up after their pets it also enables a positive intervention centred on the offer a free dog bag. No excuses!

The feedback we get is always very enthusiastic and appreciative. 800 bio-degradable bags cost £35 and in the summer 2000 or more a month get used. The objectives are: to buy bags; to buy a second dispenser for the north access track to the beach; commission some small, discrete signage to encourage all dog owners to act responsibly and use a free dog bag when they haven't got their own; and finally for any surplus to go towards a community dog warden in the summer.